Commissioning of the pharmagrade warehouse and launch of free medicare

All praise be to Allah, the Beneficent and Merciful for having this opportunity to be here today on the occasion of commissioning of Pharmagrade warehouse and to officially flag off the distribution of free Medicare and Malaria medicines and Motor cycles for integrated Tuberculosis (TB) intervention.

This remarkable achievement reflects our collective dedication to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that, people of Katsina State, have access to high-quality and affordable medicines.

The DMSA is not just an agency; it is a critical lifeline in our quest to strengthen the healthcare system. The provision of essential medicines is one of the fundamental pillars of a robust healthcare system, and our administration has prioritized capitalizing the Agency’s DRF in order to achieve the much-desired universal health coverage. By doing so, we aim to ensure that no citizen of Katsina State is left without access to life-saving drugs and medical supplies.

Our administration has made substantial financial investments to support the operations of DMSA, We approved 96 million Naira to enhance the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme, a vital initiative that guarantees the continuous availability of drugs at affordable prices in our health facilities. Building on this, we provided an additional 100 million Naira to further expand the Agency's capacity and operational efficiency. Similarly, in line with my government agenda to have more functional health facilities across the state, we have allocated additional 300 million Naira in 2025 budget to scale-up the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme to cover more health facilities across the state.

To ensure that our healthcare services reach the most vulnerable populations, we have also procured free Medicare drugs for children under five years of age, malaria treatment, antenatal care, normal deliveries, free dialysis, Tuberculosis treatment and cesarean sections. These initiatives are designed to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that access to healthcare is not limited by economic constraints.

Moreover, we have mandated direct payments of 50% capitation meant for drugs to DMSA for the timely supply of commodities under the Katsina State Contributory Health Management Agency (KTSCHMA). This ensures that health facilities across the state receive their supplies without delay, enhancing the quality of care provided to our people.

Consequently, our administration has recorded tremendous progress in revitalizing Katsina State’s health sector:

• Over N5 billion has been invested to improve health infrastructure and services statewide.
• We strengthened human resources for health by launching the Residency Training Programme in state-owned hospitals, alongside upgrading doctors’ residency training allowances.
• Over N250 million in scholarships and allowances has been released to support 546 medical students studying locally and abroad.
• We secured medical supplies worth $10 million through the World Medical Relief to address gaps in medical imaging and diagnostic services.
• The commissioning of a 16-bed Dialysis Centre at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital and the construction of a state-of-the-art Medical Imaging Centre are improving specialized healthcare access.
• Comprehensive Health Centres like Kafur have been upgraded to General Hospital status, with others—like Zango, Faskari and Charanchi—undergoing similar enhancements.

Today’s commissioning of the Pharmagrade Warehouse marks another milestone in our journey to transform healthcare delivery in Katsina State. This facility, completed with a 15% counterpart funding from our administration, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient storage and distribution of essential medicines. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, as it will address critical gaps in the supply chain and improve access to medicines across our state. Our gratitude goes to Global Fund (GF), UNICEF as well as National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP) for choosing Katsina state to be among the beneficiary of this project.

Above all, we are embarking on an ambitious and transformative project: the construction of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing company. This facility, the first of its kind in the region, will produce high-quality medicines to meet the needs of our state and beyond. By doing so, we aim to make essential drugs not only available but also affordable, reducing dependency on external suppliers and bolstering the self-reliance of our healthcare system.

Our vision for healthcare extends beyond infrastructure and supply chain improvements. To achieve sustainable progress, we must foster collaboration among all stakeholders in the health sector. We encourage synergy between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and other relevant agencies. By working together, we can streamline the health system and strengthen the Drug Revolving Fund system at primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that medicines are consistently available, especially in rural and underserved areas. One of our primary goals is to extend the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme to Health Posts and Health Clinics at the grassroots level. These facilities serve approximately 70% of our state’s total population, many of whom live in rural areas. By bringing essential drugs closer to these communities, we aim to address the challenges of accessibility and affordability, ensuring that healthcare reaches every corner of our state.

Today, we are not just commissioning a warehouse; we are reaffirming our commitment to the health and well-being of every citizen of Katsina State. This warehouse symbolizes hope, progress, and the promise of a healthier future for our people. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the staff and leadership of DMSA for their dedication and professionalism. Your efforts have been instrumental in turning our vision into reality.

Finally, I express my deepest appreciation to our traditional and religious leaders for their steadfast collaboration in supporting government programs that improve the quality of life for our people.

In the name of Almighty Allah, I now officially Commission the Katsina Pharma-grade-Warehouse and flag off the distribution of free Medicare and antimalarial medicines alongside the distribution of motorcycles for integrated TB services across Katsina State.

May Allah bless Katsina State and grant us success in our collective efforts.

Alhamdulillah. Assalamu Alaikum.